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In this Update:

• SCI-Albion Job Fair
• Erie County Projects Awarded $17.75 Million in Grants
• $6.5 Million grant for the Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness at Penn State Behrend!
• New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient
• Shooting Ranges Open to the Public
• Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications
• Recognizing the Selfless Sacrifice of Veterans

SCI-Albion Job Fair

SCI Albion is hosting an on-site job fair on Nov. 26 from 12-6 PM! Apply for a Corrections Officer Trainee position and interview right there. Bring two forms of ID and learn about the benefits of a career in corrections. A great opportunity to meet with DOC representatives and join a growing team. SCI Albion – 10745 Route 18, Albion, PA 16475

Erie County Projects Awarded $17.75 Million in Grants

Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) today announced $17.75 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding has been awarded to several Erie County projects.

“I’m proud to have worked to ensure this important funding comes to Erie County,” said Laughlin. “The construction funded by this money will help boost the economy of Erie County and the communities directly impacted by these projects.”

Pennsylvania State University’s Behrend College will receive $6.5 million to continue its “Project Resolve” initiative at its Harborcreek Township Knowledge Park Research Facility to reduce the environmental effects of plastics. The funding will be used for construction costs of the new Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness (CMC) building.

“When the CMC building is finished, it will host a plastics laboratory and a metal-casting laboratory, and offer space to local companies and manufacturers,” Laughlin explained. “In addition, the facility will be the home to Erie County’s only fully-serviced, heavy-haul battery test facility for locomotive, marine and mining purposes.”

Investment group 1001 State OZ Operator LLC, which purchased the 14-story Renaissance Centre at 1001 State Street in downtown Erie in 2023, was awarded $4.5 million to renovate the building. The finished project will provide much-needed, modern multi-use and hotel space to accommodate tourist and business demand driven by Lake Erie, the Bayfront Convention Center and downtown businesses.

“Erie City’s tallest building dominates the skyline and serves as a prominent visual anchor for the area,” said Laughlin about the Renaissance Centre. “Its historic nature and central location contribute significantly to the overall character and identity of downtown Erie; renovating it will allow it to continue to attract businesses and visitors to the downtown area, contributing to local commerce.”

Troyer Farms in Waterford Township will receive $3 million to help defray construction costs for new facilities to manufacture frozen potato products and store potatoes.

“I recently toured Troyer Farms and it’s exciting that this funding will support capital expansion that will enable the only organic potato supplier on the East Coast to grow operations, transition more acreage to organic farming and begin producing a wider range of potato products,” Laughlin said.

Three other projects received RACP grants:

• The Erie Zoological Society was awarded $2 million for the continued construction of a new veterinary center in Erie City.
• Julia Hospice and Palliative Care was awarded $1 million to help defray some of the construction costs of a new hospice house in McKean Township.
• The City of Erie was awarded $750,000 to help with the costs of constructing construction a 120-room, 6-story Marriott AC hotel as part of the Harbor Place mixed-use development on Erie’s bayfront.

Pennsylvania’s Office of the Budget administers RACP for acquiring and constructing regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current employment levels, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.

$6.5 Million grant for the Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness at Penn State Behrend!

Last week, we celebrated a $6.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant awarded for the new Center for Manufacturing Competitiveness at Penn State Behrend. This state-of-the-art facility will support our local manufacturers and drive advancements in key fields like plastics, metal casting, and heavy-haul battery testing—right here in Erie, Pennsylvania! Securing this funding was a priority for me because I believe in the transformative power of this project. This investment goes beyond today; it’s about creating opportunities for future engineers, scientists, and leaders. By strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, we’re paving the way for Erie to stay at the forefront of manufacturing and technological innovation, generating jobs and inspiring the next generation. Join me in celebrating this milestone. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for our community and ensuring that Erie remains a leader in the industries of tomorrow!

New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system will be more efficient because of legislation unanimously passed by Senate Republicans that is now law.

Act 126 of 2024 moves more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Individuals entitled to compensation may request funds be deposited into an account of their choosing. The law also allows insurers to no longer have to offer paper checks as a payment as long as the individual has a bank account that accepts direct deposit.

The reforms, which are also more cost-effective, were unanimously recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.

Shooting Ranges Open to the Public

Whether you’re a hunter preparing for rifle season or would simply like to maintain your shooting skills for self-defense, you can take aim at a public shooting range.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers recreation opportunities at public rifle, pistol, archery and shotgun ranges on 40 state game lands throughout the state. It constructed or renovated more than a dozen public shooting ranges this year alone, with plans to upgrade more.

You must possess an annual shooting range permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license to use the public shooting ranges. Find a shooting range near you.

Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two grant opportunities for qualifying organizations to capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.

The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities on PA waterways. Townships, boroughs and municipal and county governments can learn more and apply online by Nov. 30.

The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program will reimburse up to $25,000 for eligible expenses that support R3-related educational programs and increase learning opportunities for anglers and boaters. Learn more and apply online by Dec. 6.

Recognizing the Selfless Sacrifice of Veterans

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a time to appreciate the brave men and women who selflessly dedicated their time to preserve our beloved American freedoms.

We also think of their families, who lived with the understanding that their loved ones could be in harm’s way and may not make it home.

These tremendous sacrifices are truly the ultimate demonstration of patriotism.

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